Finisterre

To the end of the world!

We made one final excursion on our camino journey.  We took a bus to the western coast of Spain to Finisterre. The name of the town comes from the Latin finis + terra meaning “the end of the earth.”  In medieval Europe they thought that this quite literally was the end of the earth. It makes sense because when you are on the coast it appears as if the ocean just falls off at the horizon and there is nothing else out there.

[Me “falling off” at the end of the world.]

Originally, we were hoping to have time to walk here. However, due to time constraints it will have to wait for another day. We were able, though, to see the official 0 km sign. 

Coming here was a wonderful end to this adventure. We visited the ocean and even went for a swim in the fairly cold water.

We walked to the lighthouse. 

I enjoyed a wonderful and fresh “fish of the day” dinner. 

And it was all capped off with a beautiful sunset.

It was a beautiful day of relaxation, of fun and of reflection. The sun may have set on this Camino, but we are still all pilgrims walking our own caminos every day. 

Buen Camino!

33 Melide to Salcede - 16 miles

 Tomorrow is the day!

I don’t know which one is more difficult to believe. That we have been walking for 33 days. Or that tomorrow is our final day and we arrive in Santiago.

I have found that these past couple of days, as we near the end of this pilgrimage, I have not taken as many pictures. I think it’s because I have been a bit more contemplative, thinking of all of the experiences of these past several weeks. (I also realize that I’m getting tired and some day just want to reach the day’s destination quickly :)

In a special way, however, I have had a sense of deep gratitude for all who have been with me on this journey.  Whether physically traveling with me to Santiago or with me in spirit, you have made this pilgrimage so meaningful. Thank you for your support, encouragement, laughter, for reading what I write, and above all for your prayers.  This pilgrimage has been an incredible experience and knowing that you have been with me has made it all that more incredible.

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s grand conclusion in Santiago, and stay tuned as I’m sure I will continue to reflect and muse on these experiences in the days, weeks, months and even years ahead.

For now, I’ll leave you with a few pictures from today, walking about 16 miles through more small medieval towns and along the beautiful countryside of northern Spain.

Buen Camino!

31 Morgade to Ventas de Narón - 15 miles

 Just a day on the Camino. 

I have to admit that nothing really spectacular happened on the Camino today, but that’s okay. On day 31 I can tell that my body is getting tired, but then again we did walk 15 miles afain and it’s still pretty gosh darn beautiful.

Today, we made it to the 100km distance marker, meaning we only have 100km (about 60 miles) left to Santiago. After today we have about 48 more miles to go, and we will cover that distance in three days.

(Yes, Mom, I imitated the sign.)

We passed through the city of Portomarín which is interesting because of the reservoir that sits below the city.

Evidently, when they built the reservoir in the 60s they had to move several important buildings brick by brick, including the main church of Saint Nicholas. 

To get into Portomarín you cross over the old bridge by going up 42 stairs. There was an option to bypass this but when you’re a pilgrim on the Camino you follow the path.

Except when you don’t follow the path. Michelle and I were walking along today and a large tour bus stopped in front of us. I thought they were just letting us pass by, but then I saw the tour guide waving his hands in a circular motion. He stepped out of the bus (and happened to be from England so he could speak English) and told us, “You made a classic mistake.” We missed a turn and were not on the actual Camino path. Luckily we weren’t too far off and he told us that many people miss this particular sign.

The day ended with us getting to Ventas de Narón where we are spending the night. By the way, it is currently 6:30 in the evening and only 64°. I’m actually a little chilly right now!  In the end, I guess it was an exceptional day after all because I get to be on the Camino.

Buen Camino!